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A very large percentage of new mothers on maternity leave while caring for their newborns have seriously considered the thought of finding a way to be financially okay without returning to work once the leave has run out. I bet the percentage is as large as 75, 90 or even higher who crunch numbers, lay out budgets and crunch the numbers once again in the vain hope that they can stay with their baby without working away from home. Unfortunately, the vast majority of them must go back to work to support the family. This ultimate realization does not come without guilt and falling tears. They are forced to select a day care center for their new baby and are determined to choose the very best one they can find.

What does an outstanding day care facility look like? What can you do to discover the really good ones? First you must decide on what type of daycare you need. A state-licensed center offers security and will come with a cutting edge curriculum and modern equipment. A home daycare facility has the advantage of a local mom whom you know loves kids and will take care of your kids as if they were hers. You know this because you have known her for years and trust her. Then there is the nanny who visits your home to care for your baby in his own surroundings. There may be a loving friend or relative who offers to pitch in saying it would be no trouble, they'd love to help. There are advantages and disadvantages to every option that must be carefully weighed.

A state-licensed center is monitored by the state to a degree and gives your child a staff that has passed background checks and who have taken at least some courses in early childhood development. Such a facility will provide safety and security and the legal ratio of teacher to child. The disadvantages to this type of facility is that all the kids need a Kleenex, they are crying all at once and there are not enough people around to hug them and bounce them on their knee.

A home daycare provides one caregiver to cater to your child's needs and becomes something of a surrogate mother. A strong attachment often forms between a child and a home daycare provider. But what happens if that caregiver herself gets sick? Or one of her own children? Do you want her to take your child along on her daily errands? When her family decides to go on vacation, where will your child go? And what will his reaction to another new environment?

A nanny might seem to be the best choice. This is someone that comes into your home to care for your child where he is most comfortable. An attachment also often forms with this type of care. But again, you must consider illness, vacations and days when your caregiver has personal business to attend to.

Taking Grandma or Aunt Susie up on an offer to babysit might be a good option. After all, blood should mean something. If Mom can't care for this cherished little one, who better than Grandma? But how long is Grandma going to want to be tied to the house all day while you work? Doesn't she want - and deserve - a life of her own at her age?

There is no right or wrong answer for every situation. Parents must weigh all the pros and cons, and make that decision for their own family, but there are some considerations that apply to all of these options. Cost should never be the primary concern, but realistically, it needs to be considered. A stranger should never be engaged to care for a child without providing some kind of reassurance as to their character, be it a few strong references, or a state-sponsored background check. Many state child welfare agencies make this service available to private entities. Also, a caregiver should agree that a parent may appear at the daycare site at any time without prior notice. For older children, a discussion of discipline methods is a must, and expectations about use of time can make care for school-agers easier for everyone.

The key to making this difficult decision is planning. It should never be left until the last minute. Parents should accept that the guilt and the tears will likely come, but a well thought out, careful plan will lessen the stress of this decision for the whole family.